Kitchen Counter Reef: Edgar’s Micro Tank
- PNW Custom
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
PNW Custom Community Spotlight 🔦
Meet Edgar Gonzalez, a reef keeper whose 40oz Micro Tank has quickly become the centerpiece of his home, and the tank that everyone talks about.
Although Edgar has kept aquariums before, his saltwater journey with this micro reef is still fresh. He’s had his tank running for about two months, inspired by a visit to Salty Amigos Store in Port Isabel, Texas. That spark turned into action, and now he’s successfully running a thriving micro reef right on his kitchen counter.
“I love the way the zoas pop in this small tank.”
From Freshwater to Micro Reefing
Edgar already maintains four freshwater tanks, but it’s the smallest tank in the house that gets the most attention.
Placed right on the kitchen counter, his Micro Tank is impossible to miss. It’s positioned where everyone sees it: family, guests, and anyone passing through the house.
“Everyone who comes over loves this tank out of the four other freshwater tanks that I have.”
There’s something special about a micro reef. The vibrant movement and the fine details of corals draw people in instantly, especially in a compact, eye-level setup. Even Edgar’s wife and kids enjoy stopping to admire it throughout the day.
What’s Inside the Micro Tank?
Edgar’s reef keeps things simple and balanced. The zoanthids are his clear favorite, especially the way they fluoresce and “pop” under the lighting in such a small display. With only invertebrates and corals, the tank remains stable and easy to manage.
He currently houses:
A beautiful Duncan coral
Several colorful zoanthids
Two micro hermit crabs
A stomatella snail
Simple Setup, Simple Success
One of the things Edgar appreciated most was how straightforward the setup process was.
“Super easy setup, not complicated at all.”
For maintenance, he sticks to a consistent routine, including weekly water changes to keep parameters stable. That consistency is the key to success in small systems. His biggest tip for new aquarists?
“Replace the filter floss every water change to keep water parameters stable.”
It’s simple advice, but it makes a big difference. Clean mechanical filtration prevents buildup and helps maintain clarity and nutrient balance in a small system.
Join the Reefing Community
In just two months, Edgar's Micro Tank has become the favorite tank in a home that already has multiple aquariums.
If you have a tank that’s bringing joy to your space, we’d love to feature you in a future PNW Custom Community Spotlight.
